Bill > H1612

This bill mandates that citizens and legal residents of Massachusetts sentenced to incarceration must serve their time in correctional facilities located within the Commonwealth, unless an inmate specifically requests an out-of-state transfer or the Department of Corrections deems a transfer necessary for the inmate's personal safety. The bill's rationale emphasizes that housing prisoners out-of-state hinders family visitation, which is considered crucial for rehabilitation and is not an additional punishment ordered by a judge. The bill argues that such out-of-state housing can lead to excessive travel costs and time for families, effectively denying visitation rights, and in some cases, could be considered cruel and unusual punishment.